Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii • Softwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a medium-to-coarse texture. Visible latewood bands are prominent, showing a stark transition between earlywood and latewood (flat-sawn/plain-sawn appearance on the face).
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish-brown (as seen in the sample); sapwood is a narrower band of yellowish-white. The wood displays a moderate natural luster and tends to darken/redden significantly with light exposure over time.
Hardness Rating
660 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; generally resistant to decay but susceptible to insect attack. It is one of the more durable softwoods regarding rot resistance.
Common Uses
Heavy structural lumber, timber framing, flooring, veneer, cabinetry, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Western North America (Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade (clear vs. knotty) and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern industrial cut, likely 5-20 years since harvest based on the lack of deep gray oxidation and the presence of contemporary circular saw marks.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification; highly sustainable due to extensive reforestation and plantation management.
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though it can have a tendency to split when nailing. It may cause sharp 'shelf' tearout during planing if tools are not sharp, due to the density difference between earlywood and latewood.
Notable Features
Distinctive resinous, sweet scent when cut. High strength-to-weight ratio makes it the standard for structural applications in North America.
Finish Recommendations
Takes clear coats, oils, and resins well. However, it can blotch when stained; a pre-stain wood conditioner is highly recommended if using pigments.
Identification Confidence
High. The prominent, reddish-tinted latewood growth rings, the coarse texture of the end grain, and the specific 'pinkish-orange' hue are classic diagnostic features of Douglas Fir.